Reducing construction injuries by reducing manual lifting
In the construction industry, manual lifting and moving heavy materials are the leading causes of disabling injuries. Strains, sprains and related soft tissues injuries affect a majority of construction workers and cost billions of dollars to businesses. Back injuries are the most common disabling injuries for construction workers and approximately 3 out of 4 back injuries that require time off to recover are due to over exertion. Other common disabling injuries suffered by construction workers are hand and wrist injuries as well as shoulder injuries. Many of these injuries can be prevented by reducing manual material handling.
PLANNING AND COMMUNICATION ARE KEY TO PREVENT INJURIES
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) is working on creating a new program for contractors to help them with practical tools and information to plan for safe manual materials handling while staying productive and profitable. The CPWR works with contractors to define the best way to store and move heavy material on construction sites. So far they found that careful planning and communication were key factors in protecting workers from manual lifting injuries.